Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.
Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.
But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.
Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.
Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time
Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.
The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.
Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.
The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.
Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.
The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.
One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.
What's Next?
Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.
The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
Teams
Sale Sharks: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.
Replacements: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.
Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.
Match Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).
